About the LSWR SOUTH GATE
Welcome to LSWR South Gate at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
Located at the scenic South Entrance Road in Cedar Key, Florida, LSWR South Gate serves as your gateway to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Nestled along the southern edge of Florida's Big Bend Region, this refuge offers an immersive experience in a unique riverine and estuarine ecosystem, rich with both fresh and saltwater wetlands.
Explore Nature's Bounty
The refuge is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering numerous recreational activities throughout the year. Whether you're paddling along the serene waters, driving through its diverse habitats, or enjoying a peaceful walk, you will encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including whitetail deer, gray foxes, otters, and eagles. The historic Suwannee River, famously featured in the song by Stephen Foster, is a highlight of the refuge, providing vital habitats for many native species, including the endangered salt marsh vole.
Conservation and Restoration Efforts
In 2024, we will commence roadside and overhead clearing to reclaim 70 miles of grass roads, enhancing access for equipment and ensuring safety for prescribed fires. This initiative aims to increase grasses and flowering shrubs, benefiting local pollinators. While contractors are encouraged to avoid working during hunting seasons, they may exercise discretion in their scheduling. Additionally, the Shellmound Observation Pier is slated for reconstruction starting as early as August and will be temporarily closed during the process.
Visitor Information
The refuge remains open for all activities during hunts, with hunters and non-hunters expected to share the area respectfully. Outdoor areas are accessible from sunrise to sunset, with parts behind locked yellow gates open to foot and bike traffic only. For those interested in hunting, detailed regulations and permit purchase information are available through the GoOutdoorsFlorida website.
Our Mission and Community
LSWR South Gate is supported by the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges, a dedicated group advocating for the successful stewardship of these natural treasures. The refuge focuses on trails and roads maintenance, law enforcement, wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. We collaborate with state agencies, universities, and other partners to conserve, protect, and enhance the area's rich biodiversity.
Visit LSWR South Gate for an unforgettable journey into nature, where wildlife comes first, and every visitor plays a part in preserving this precious ecosystem for future generations.
Reviews of LSWR SOUTH GATE
"Great bike ride on the 9 mile Nature Drive road - it was a hard packed & well maintained limestone road - excellent scenery, lots of wildlife, mostly shaded. Small parking lot off the south entrance. South 6 mile portion of the ride is prettiest & most shaded. Rode fat tire bicycles at 11 am in 94 & humid temp - periodic warm shower - mostly sunny day - Drove to Manatee Springs State Park to finish off the afternoon with a swim!"
"I had an enjoyable relaxing trip through the trail system. Lots of real Florida to see."
"What a GREAT hidden gem. We were out for a ride and stumbled upon this. Beautiful ride through the 9 mile loop. I would call this a “must see” if in or near Cedar Key"
"The nine mile loop is a wonderful road for a driving tour of the wildlife preserve. There are several pullout areas for taking photos and doing a little exploration on foot. Well worth a little time."
"Great place to walk for miles in nature or slowly drive the 9 mile loop. Today we saw a wild hog. The Florida Wildlife Management Areas are a treasure."
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